Young Adults Saving Less Than Others: Report

A new report claims that adults under the age of 35 are saving less money than other age groups. NBC 7's Consume Bob reports on Nov. 11, 2014. (Published Tuesday, Nov. 11, 2014)

Rigel Ruiz is married with two children and finds it hard to put money away into a savings account.

"It is important do," said Ruiz. "I'd love to save more money, but it's not that easy."

Ruiz is part of the so-called millennial generation, adults under the age of 35. And she's not alone in finding it difficult to save.

"I think it's tougher," said Danny Bradley. And the numbers back them up.

According to Moody's Analytics, younger Americans currently have a savings rate of negative 2 percent. In other words, they are spending more of their savings or going into debt. While people over the age of 35 have a savings rate of 3 percent, people 55 and older save at a rate of 13 percent.

Certified Financial Planner Mary Beth Storjohann works with millennial. The 30-year-old founder of Workable Wealth says starting out in debt will have a long negative impact.

"It's extremely important," said Storjohann. "Having a savings is what's going to provide you a cushion, not only against emergencies but also the ability to meet your goals."

Millennial tied down by debt will hurt future spending including home sales. The problem is that young people can get into debt so easily. Storjohann says you can go on the internet and apply for five different credit cards in five minutes.

College debt is also a major stumbling block for young people. The average student debt for a graduating senior is more than $19,000. But creating a savings plan is important no matter how much money you owe.

Nikki Rasor says it's all about priorities.

"Once you start saving," said Rasor, "you say, wow, I've got a thousand bucks in the bank, this is great."